Contemplating the unthinkable: men who sexually abuse children

This article argues that current theoretical and practice approaches to men who sexually abuse are based on universalist and overly rationalist assumptions. It explores the increasingly harsh societal context in which this work is currently being conducted. Contemporary ethical debates in probation and social work are also explored in an attempt to delineate the consequences of what appears to be a shift away from 'respect for persons' to a commitment to anti-oppressive and anti-discriminatory practices. The authors use feminist and pro-feminist writings to argue that differ ences between men are important to interrogate. It also argues that some of the psychoanalytic post-structuralist writings may be useful in explor ing masculine subjectivities.